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75 Books...More or Less! discussion
Archive (2020 GR Completed)
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Karina's 2020 Reading Challenge (75)
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Karina
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Dec 23, 2019 08:55AM
Can't wait to tackle 2020. I am going to stick with 75, there are a couple of big books I want to read this year and I am hoping for a couple of vacations where I can read all day!
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ah! Binge Reading - such a delight - Good Luck
1. Vacationland by John HodgmanI really enjoyed this collection of short stories. Being from New England, I relate to so many things he says here!
Four stars
Mod
I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. Being from New England, I relate to so many things he says here!
Four stars"
I like John Hodgman and I picked up this audiobook last year. Hoping to listen to it this year.
Mod
I really enjoyed this collection of short stories. Being from New England, I relate to so many things he says here!
This looks good, I just added it to my list :)
2. 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke I enjoyed this book for what it was. It also helped me explain what the hell was going on in the movie!
Three stars
Karina wrote: "2. 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke I enjoyed this book for what it was. It also helped me explain what the hell was going on in the movie!
Three stars"
I saw the movie in a science class in college and was totally lost by the more trippy parts. The book was much more enjoyable.
3. The Animators by Kayla Rae WhitakerWhat can I say? It took me forever to read this book and I absolutely couldn't stand it. I didn't even go to the book club meeting to discuss because I couldn't finish it in time. The entire story was just awful. I know I am in the minority because it has almost a 4 star rating but I can only give it a 2 because the actual writing was good, the story sucked.
2 stars
Mod
What can I say? It took me forever to read this book and I absolutely couldn't stand it. I didn't even go to the book club meeting to discuss because I could..."
Well, at least it's off your shelf now!
Elyse wrote: "Karina wrote: "3. The Animators by Kayla Rae WhitakerWhat can I say? It took me forever to read this book and I absolutely couldn't stand it. I didn't even go to the book club meeting to discuss ..."
Yup! I am so glad it is done and over with and I am enjoying my next read. Such a palate cleanser.
4. The Silent Patient by Alex MichaelidesLoved, loved, LOVED this thriller! Just what I needed. It lived up to the hype (I may have guessed the twist at the end but that DID NOT ruin it for me). 10/10 would recommend!
4 stars (because I am a hard rater, it doesn't get the 5th but it's really good!)
Mod
Loved, loved, LOVED this thriller! Just what I needed. It lived up to the hype (I may have guessed the twist at the end but that DID NOT ruin it for me). ..."
Juli and I enjoyed this one too!
5. My Man Jeeves by P.G. WodehouseI have never heard of this Jeeves (so the Ask Jeeves search engine went over my head apparently) but the fifth book in this series is on the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die list so I decided to instead of jumping into the series midway, I would start at number one. This was a collection of early short stories (at one point, there are 4 short stories where the main character Bertie is Reggie and Jeeves isn't in the picture) but they were a fast read and enjoyable. I will definitely continue with the series.
Three stars
Mod
I have never heard of this Jeeves (so the Ask Jeeves search engine went over my head apparently) but the fifth book in this series is on the 1001 Books You Must ..."
Me neither, did not make that correlation either. lol. And this was alright for me. I listened to the audiobook.
6. The Intuitionist by Colson WhiteheadI really liked this book (I preferred it over Underground Railroad which was also good) but I always like a little mystery that also calls out racism and social justice in a mystical story.
Four stars
7. The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda A quick, easy beach read that I had to read in three days to return to the library tomorrow! Nice mystery kept me guessing
Three stars
8. The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski Why, yes, after watching The Witcher on Netflix I just had to read the series. Getting my hands on the first three books (the two short story novels that season 1 of The Witcher is based on and the actual first novel in the series) has been a journey in itself. However, I managed to get my hands on all three. I love fantasy novels and I loved these short stories in the first set!
Four stars
Mod
Why, yes, after watching The Witcher on Netflix I just had to read the series. Getting my hands on the first three books (the two short story novels that sea..."
I will be reading this year! The first few books were on sale on Kindle a couple of months ago, obviously in anticipation of the show, and I picked them up. I did enjoy the show!
Elyse wrote: "Karina wrote: "8. The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski Why, yes, after watching The Witcher on Netflix I just had to read the series. Getting my hands on the first three books (the two short story ..."
I would have totally gotten the kindle version but I am letting a friend borrow the book and want to donate them to the local library because no one around here as a copy! Borrowing one was going to take a 6 month wait!
Mod
Why, yes, after watching The Witcher on Netflix I just had to read the series. Getting my hands on the first three books (the tw..."
How nice of you!
9. Golden Child by Claire AdamWell, this story did not go the way I thought it was going to. Sometimes books don’t have the ending you want.
Three stars
10. The Bell Jar by Sylvia PlathWork has really gotten into the way of my reading so this book took me much longer than it should have but I did enjoy it. The way Plath captures this woman’s descent into insanity is so just well written.
Four stars
11. Open Book by Jessica SimpsonAs celebrity memoirs go, this is a really good one. I enjoyed the audiobook, you can really hear her emotion. Plus, you get bonus music on the end!
Four stars
12. Lock Every Door by Riley SagerThis is my second book by this author and I really enjoyed it. It’s definitely a far fetched thriller but it was a quick and easy read and I was definitely creeped out reading it home alone at certain parts! It’s also a July 2019 BOTM pick
Four stars
13. The Night Tiger by Yangsze ChooI stayed up way past my bedtime last night to finish this book. It started off slow but the last 150 pages was riveting stuff. I really enjoyed it, I can see why it was a Reese pick though I had it in my BOTM box in January 2019!!
Four stars
Mod
I stayed up way past my bedtime last night to finish this book. It started off slow but the last 150 pages was riveting stuff. I really enjoyed it, I can see wh..."
This was also my January 2019 BOTM pick and I have not read it yet.
Mod
I really liked this book (I preferred it over Underground Railroad which was also good) but I always like a little mystery that also calls out racism and so..."
I read Underground Railroad and basically almost hated it. It kinda put me off of this author, but I should try another book by him!
Juli wrote: "Karina wrote: "6. The Intuitionist by Colson WhiteheadI really liked this book (I preferred it over Underground Railroad which was also good) but I always like a little mystery that also calls ou..."
I think you would enjoy this one so much better!
14. Love Poems by Pablo NerudaI love Neruda and I really needed some poetry in my life!
5 stars
Juli wrote: "I read Underground Railroad and basically almost hated it. It kinda put me off of this author, but I should try another book by him!"I haven't read either of these, but I did read Zone One. It was... good? From my review, it seems like I enjoyed the reading experience, but I suspected it wasn't anything that would stick with me (which was accurate).
Mod
I love Neruda and I really needed some poetry in my life!
5 stars"
He is my favorite!!!!!!
Mod
I really liked this book (I preferred it over Underground Railroad which was also good) but I always like a little mystery that ..."
I will keep this in mind!
15. The Quiet American by Graham GreeneThis was a short book (around 180 pages) and it took me a long time to get into. There were some interesting spots but overall, I am glad it was a short one.
Three stars
16. Anne Perry and the Murder of a Century by Peter GrahamThis was one of those free kindle books from years ago and it has taken me over a year to finish since I only ever read it when I’m walking on the treadmill. Which has been rare. But I finally finished it. It was okay, I hate the chapter on trying to diagnosis the girls but the murder itself and the trial was interesting. There were a couple of spots where the chapters jumped around in time within the chapter with no warning which was annoying.
Three stars
17. On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean VuongI really enjoyed this short (242 pages). It is a letter to the protagonist's mother and they are immigrants from Vietnam living in Hartford, CT (where I work and I loved knowing so many of the sites and streets and places mentioned). It was heartbreaking and lovely. Such a wonderful read.
Four stars
Mod
I really enjoyed this short (242 pages). It is a letter to the protagonist's mother and they are immigrants from Vietnam living in Hartford, CT (..."
I just read this a few weeks ago as well and loved every minute of it. Vuong's writing is so beautiful and in such contrast to the protagonists life.
Mod
I really enjoyed this short (242 pages). It is a letter to the protagonist's mother and they are immigrants from Vietnam living in Hartford, CT (..."
I will definitely be reading this soon!
Mod
I really enjoyed this short (242 pages). It is a letter to the protagonist's mother and they are immigrants from Vietnam living in..."
Yessssssss!
18. Blindsighted by Karin SlaughterThis is my second Karin Slaughter read and it was a pretty decent thriller even if I figured out who the killer was. I thought Pretty Girls was a better book but I'll read the rest of the books in this series, eventually.
19. The Winter Sister by Megan CollinsA suspense murder mystery that was just fine. Nothing riveting and I figured out the murderer early on and the “twist”
Three stars (because the writing was good even if the storyline was tired)
20. The Giver of Stars by Jojo MoyesThis is the first book I’ve read of hers. I actually finished this last Saturday and forgot to post. It was fine. A quick read.
Three stars
21. Summer Knight by Jim ButcherThis is book four in the Dresden Files series. It’s a quick, fast easy read. Not my favorite of the series I’ve read but entertaining nonetheless.
Three stars
Mod
This is book four in the Dresden Files series. It’s a quick, fast easy read. Not my favorite of the series I’ve read but entertaining nonetheless.
Three stars"
Yet another series I want to read. So many! lol
Elyse wrote: "Karina wrote: "21. Summer Knight by Jim ButcherThis is book four in the Dresden Files series. It’s a quick, fast easy read. Not my favorite of the series I’ve read but entertaining nonetheless.
..."
I really enjoy this series. This book was not favorite BUT I have the fifth one ready to be read (it's going to be awhile lol)
22. The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick NessI don't normally pick up YA novels but this was one of those free Amazon books and the premise was interesting enough. The book was just OK, maybe I am just not that into YA? I found the main character to be extremely annoying and no one was particularly interesting. The story was alright but it was a fast read once I put some time into it.
Two stars
23. Early Riser by Jasper Fforde I enjoyed this more than I thought I was going to. It starts off slow but once it picks up half way through, it really kept my attention.
3.5 stars
24. The Cactus by Sarah HaywoodThis is a perfect read for anyone stuck in quarantine/shelter in place/isolation. I am glad I finished 1/6 of my library books that are suppose to be due 5/1 but who knows when the library is going to be reopened?
3.5 stars
Mod
I don't normally pick up YA novels but this was one of those free Amazon books and the premise was interesting enough. The book was just OK, maybe..."
I have this on my Kindle. It's been sitting there for a while. Your review doesn't sound too promising.
25. Dear Edward by Ann NapolitanoThis book definitely had my anxiety going at certain chapters since I am afraid of flying (but still do) and crashes are my biggest fear when flying. However, this story was well written and I couldn't put it down. Gave me the feels!
(It was also a BOTM book!)
4 stars
26. The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly HarmsI really enjoyed this read. It's just an easy book to read in one sitting (if I didn't buy Zelda: Breath of the Wild for my Switch and Animal Crossing will be next....) and it's mindless.
3.5 stars
